I have a 2001 1500 quad 5.9L 2 wheel drive 97k. Dealer says upper and lower
ball joints should be replaced, grease seal broken and joints are dry and
worn. Cost is over $2000. He says the entire control arms need to be
replaced, just the ball joints cannot be replaced. Does this make sense?
Sound okay? Otherwise truck runs good.

Thanks

Mark Stringer

mark stringer

sponsored links

2
8th July 06:55

peterd

External User

Posts: 1

2001 Dodge 1500 ball joints

That's nothing, did you know that you can't just change the tires on
it? According to that dealer, you have to replace the wheels too!

Google is your friend, a quick search will give you parts prices.
Installation is going to run more.

peterd

3
8th July 06:56

nosey

External User

Posts: 1

2001 Dodge 1500 ball joints

It makes sense. Part of the ball joint check is looking for play in the
control arms. If the control arms aren't worn they can just replace the ball
joints. If the wear limits are exceeded on the control arms they should be
replaced.
If you don't trust the dealer take it to an independent shop for a second
opinion.
--
Ken

nosey

4
8th July 06:56

aarcuda69062

External User

Posts: 1

2001 Dodge 1500 ball joints

Dodge only services the ball joints as part of the control arm.

Aftermarket shows the ball joints separately.

aarcuda69062

5
8th July 06:56

nunya

External User

Posts: 1

2001 Dodge 1500 ball joints

get a second opinion from an independent shop that specializes in alignment
and front end work. i use moog ball joints when it is necessary. i.e.
working on a ford.

i have a 91 2500 with 150k and a 1997 1500 with ~280k on the odo and both
are still within spec. if you grease the ball joints properly then they
seem to last a long time. same with my dakotas.

if you use the discount zippy oil change services some of them won't grease
all of the fittings (if they do any) when you have your vehicle serviced.
if they can't see or reach the fitting from the pit, it never sees grease.
some of them have to be attacked from above.
michael

A suggestion for you.........
find an independent tire shop that will recheck the front end for
you
while you're watching them do it. If the movement in the balljoints
is
only minor......and the balljoints are the only concer, ask them to
grease the frontend and align the truck.
Minor play, either verticle or side, is acceptable if tire wear is
not
major. That is....it's acceptable to me. Reason ??....even if you do
replace those balljoints, they WILL check bad again in about 2-4
years.
Fact, not fiction. An independent shop will "likely" use MOOG parts,
that is, if they care about the quality of their work. MOOG is the
best
as far as longevity, but still.......30,000-50,000 miles of bumps and
jars
reaks havoc on ANY suspension component. Fact, not fiction. The
parts may come with a lifetime gaurantee....but the LABOR will not.
If the tire wear on your current tires can be attributed to TOE
wear,
then, your best option would be to save your money for now and align
the front end.

Take the cost of replacement tires, and take the cost of the suggested
frontend repairs, and take into account the amount of movement and
TYPE of wear pattern your getting.........make your decision.

ANY......minor play in balljoints is to be expected with mileage
dude...
though almost EVERY Front-End Shop.....is going to try to sell them
because "theory" and "fact" dictate that angles will NOT hold if any
movement is found. My problem with that is.....how much movement
is going to cause tire wear and handling problems?
(the new joints will have movement..in a couple of years)
Toe wear,.....is the MOST PROMINANT cause of tire wear.

~:~
MarshMonster
~takes a toke.......wonders if his kids would rather fer pops truck to
have new balljoints......or if his kids would rather go to a few extry
movies this year~
~:~

~:~
MarshMonster
~takes a toke.......wonders if his kids would rather fer pops truck to
have new balljoints......or if his kids would rather go to a few extry
movies this year~
~:~

i like a man that understands that a used truck is nothing but a used truck.
"out of spec" doesn't necessarily mean unserviceable. if so, most of my
vehicles would be in the junk yard. especially the amf harleys...
michael

nunya

8
8th July 06:57

marsh monster

External User

Posts: 1

2001 Dodge 1500 ball joints

====
====

=====
=====

I love my balljoints...........

but I like my steak even better.

~:~
marsh
~:~

marsh monster

9
8th July 06:57

aarcuda69062

External User

Posts: 1

2001 Dodge 1500 ball joints

In article
<5f8b9777-5eed-4511-9161-873ce46b0f6d@v4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com